C. E. Niehoff & Co.

BRUSHLESS ALTERNATORS
Service Bulletin
Field Inspection

Issue Date: August 21, 1998

Revised: November 3, 1999

SB Number: SB0012A

Topic: Preventative Maintenance, bearings

Customer: Fire Service and EMS applications, 600 and 700 series units.

Alternator rotor bearings need periodic maintenance. Although the bearings are custom packed
with high grade grease, all grease has a shelf life and will degrade. The front and rear bearings,
and the protective ring seals are the only wear parts in the alternator that require periodic replace-
ment.

There are few signs that a bearing is reaching the end of its usable life, therefore preventative
maintenance by a time-in-use interval is the best way to determine when to replace bearings.

C. E. Niehoff & Co. brushless alternators used in fire service applications having less than 10
response calls a day should have bearings replaced at 5 years. For vehicles responding to more
than 10 calls a day, the bearing replacement interval should be reduced to 3 years.

Operating environments with prolonged and excessive engine compartment temperatures also
have an effect on bearing life. Therefore, in those areas of the country having such climate condi-
tions, a 2 year bearing change interval may be the preferred choice.

To maintain the integrity and durability of the alternator we recommend all parts and service work
be provided by a C. E. Niehoff & Co. Factory Authorized Service Distributor. For the location in
your area, or for more information, please call our service department at:

800-NIEHOFF (800-643-4633)
847-866-6030
Fax 847-492-1242
e-mail to: support@ceniehoff.com

Please file this CEN Service Bulletin with your CEN Literature.
Please forward a copy of this information to the appropriate people in your company.

C. E. Niehoff & Co. • 2021 Lee Street • Evanston, IL 60202 Tech Services Hotline 800-643-4633

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